Veterans' Widows' Benefits - How They Can Help You

Veterans' widows' benefits kick in after the death of a veteran. Although it
is difficult to lose your spouse, you can take some comfort in knowing that you are
well protected under this benefit plan (Note: as you age you may require
assisted living or nursing home care that can be covered by your spouse's
veterans benefits as well).

The primary organization which handles these special types of benefits is the
Department of Veterans Administration. There are a variety of benefits that are
designed specifically to protect and take care of a veteran's spouse after his
eventual death. These benefits include the following:

Surviving Family Benefits

Survivor Resources

Survivor Support Organizations

The most important of these three veterans' widows' benefits is the surviving
family benefits, which go to the widow of the veteran to take care of the
family. This benefit includes several component benefits such as:

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Death Gratuity

Death Pension

Tricare

Basic Allowance for Housing

Household Goods Shipping and Storage

Veteran's Burial Benefits

Gold Star Lapel Button

Service Members Group Life Insurance

One should also take into consideration that, even though these are
veterans widows benefits, the
veteran needs to qualify for certain benefits.

Veteran's Burial Benefits

Veteran's burial benefits help to relieve the family of funeral costs. Since
families may not have the resources available to pay for the type of funeral
that a US veteran deserves, this can help lift a heavy financial burden from the
family's shoulders.

The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a great resource for a widow,
considering that they will receive a monthly compensation to help pay for the
portion of their living expenses that would have been covered by their spouse.
This compensation is valued to about $1100 per month for those who qualify for
this benefit.

The Survivor Benefit Plan

The Survivor Benefit Plan is one of the best veterans' widows' benefits that
a veteran can apply for while still alive, to ensure that his wife continues to
receive a steady income after he is gone. After the death of a veteran, the
retirement pay checks cease, leaving his widow without this major source of
income. With the Survivor Benefit Plan, his widow will continue to receive a
regular monthly income.

Attorney John Frazier is particularly experienced in helping veterans and
their spouses access veterans benefits for assisted living and nursing home
care. If you think that you might qualify for any veterans' widows' benefits,
but need help receiving them, or you are a veteran who wants to make sure you
have these benefits set up for your spouse ahead of time, please see our
Practice Areas
to find out how we can help you.